All NCCP Newsletter submissions are due by12pm on the 10th of every month.

Please contact cdmanager@nccpresby.org for more information.

More than 50 NCCP Presbytery leaders participated in a workshop with  John Fong on effective outreach for today’s churches. In this workshop, Fong encouraged congregations to focus on what they can do in the next 30 days to begin seeing signs of renewed energy and growth. Rather than waiting for large-scale changes, the approach emphasizes small, consistent actions that strengthen relationships and invite others into the life of the church.

Healthy congregations practice small acts of moving forward with outreach: members inviting friends, people intentionally blessing others, more hopeful conversations about the future. 

The presentation also highlighted several reasons churches sometimes struggle: when congregations lose relevance to people’s everyday lives, when deep relationships and friendships fade, when aging membership and limited resources weaken community connections, or when resistance to change prevents trying new ideas.

The most important factor for sustained growth, the presenter suggested, is relational connection—building authentic relationships both in person and through community engagement.

Several churches offered inspiring examples. One congregation addressed food insecurity as a ministry that connected deeply with its community. Another found new vitality through creative activities such as pickleball, arts and crafts gatherings, Trunk-or-Treat events, and social meetups that welcomed neighbors and built relationships.

The overall message was clear: growth often begins with simple acts of invitation, blessing, and relationship-building. Small steps taken consistently can help congregations rediscover their connection with their community and renew their sense of mission.

Executive Presbyter Karen Sapio also encouraged participants to explore the resources offered by the Presbyterian Church Growth Network, a new organization of PCUSA congregations supporting one another in finding sustainable models for outreach and growth.

Karen Sapio

Executive Presbyter, North Central California Presbytery

916-414-8105

You are invited!

Dessert & Conversation

With GA- Co- Moderator

CeCe Armstrong

Tuesday, March 24th at 7pm

Carmichael Presbyterian Church

Find out more here.

*******************

Peace and Joy!

Maria Mar (she/her)

Treasurer, NCCP

916.414.2080, ext. 4

Treasurer@nccpresby.org

Photo Credits: Davis Enterprise

Bob (Robert) Schultz died on Monday, March 2. Bob was a beloved, longtime member of Davis Community Church. He was very active in the Presbytery of Sacramento and served as Moderator. Bob always had time to connect, and he will be dearly missed. Please hold Betty Lou and their children Kevin, Kerrie and Christopher in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

The memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Davis Community Church. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.

NCCP now considers most grant applications in February, May, and October. 

Deadline for applications to be considered in May 2026 is April 1, 2026. 

Check this link for more information on Presbytery Grants.

We're collecting semi-perishable canned foods, especially proteins like canned meat and poultry, to support our local Food Pantrys. If you can, please bring your donations to the May Presbytery meeting.

Please contact, Steve Sylvanus, for more information!

HAA@nccpresby.org

Calling all faith formation leaders! The Faith Formation Leader Connection Resource Zooms 2026 offers a welcoming online space to connect with peers, share what’s new in your ministry context, and explore timely resources together. These resourcing Zoom gatherings are hosted by the Office of Christian Formation (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and are designed for leaders across all settings and age groups.

When: May 12, August 26, and October 20, 2026

Time: Varies by date (all sessions are 1 hour)

Where: Zoom — register once to attend any or all dates.

Each session offers conversation, ideas, and encouragement for everyday faith formation work. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration, practical tools, or a chance to ask questions with fellow leaders, these Zooms are a great way to stay connected and resourced throughout the year.

👉 Register today and mark your calendar: https://cfportal.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3387419

Hello NCCP,

As we move toward spring, our bodies also start to transition and shift towards more light, more energy, and more outward movement! You’re invited to join Iama Embodied Ministries for a guided Spring nature walk led by one of our members.

Time outside isn’t just pleasant — it’s regulating. Walking in nature lowers stress hormones, supports immune function, and gently improves cardiovascular health. Mentally, it helps reduce anxiety, lift mood, and improve clarity and focus. Even a slow, mindful walk can calm the nervous system and create space to breathe more fully.

We’d love to have you join us. Please see the full description below. 

Secrets of Nature Hike

Join Michael for a guided

exploration into the practice of slowing down and deepening our relationship

with the natural world. This immersive walk invites participants to engage with

the subtle intelligence of the landscape, from Blue Oaks and seasonal

wildflowers to the presence of scrub jays overhead. Together, we will explore

how to “read” trees, interpret the wind, and sit in quiet reflection with

grandmother trees. Along the way, we will open conversation about how nature

teaches, communicates, and invites us into deeper awareness.

Location: Sterling Pointe Ct, Loomis, CA 95650

Distance: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 375 feet

Level: Easy to Moderate

Pace: Slow, with frequent stops for observation and discussion

Meet at trailhead: 9:30 AM

Hike Begins: 9:45 AM

End Time: 1:15 PM

Please bring lunch, water,

and appropriate footwear.

This experience is designed not

as a workout, but as a practice in presence.

About the guide 

Michael is a lifelong hiker,

backpacker, and outdoor enthusiast. He is WFR-trained and adult CPR-certified.

Michael’s connection to the land has been shaped by journeys through places

like Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, though his true roots run deep in Mount

Diablo. Guided by curiosity and a love of self-studying trees and plants, he

has learned the languages of wind, water, and earth—finding meaning in slowing

down and walking with presence.

 Contact Rev. Rola Al Ashkar for more information. 

Plans are underway for the second annual PCGN Conference, taking place October 5–7, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The PCGN Conference brings together leaders from across the PC(USA) committed to learning together how to lead churches toward faithful growth.

PCGN Leadership looks forward to sharing the official conference announcement soon, including the theme, speakers, and registration details. Registration will open in the summer of 2026.

Email pcgn.contact@gmail.com to be added to the PCGN mailing list. Find more information on the web at https://www.pcgrowthnetwork.org.

THRIVE: Preparing for the Next Chapter of Ministry

Thinking about retirement in the next decade? The THRIVE Seminar from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of Pensions helps pastors and church leaders explore retirement planning from a holistic perspective—covering finances, health care, housing, and vocational purpose in the next season of life.

This interactive seminar is designed for Benefits Plan members within about 10 years of retirement, and spouses are welcome to attend.

👉 Learn more and register:

https://pensions.org/your-path-to-wholeness/lifelong-learning/seminars/thrive

Westminster Presbyterian Church hosted Ridiculousness, a Presbytery-wide event for youth. Here are some pictures from the event.

As we enter the season of Lent, a time to reflect on life, mortality, and meaning, why not move beyond simply talking about death and truly engage with it?

Iama Embodied Ministries’ member Elizabeth Moreno invites your congregation to host a 3-week guided exploration of death. This series offers a compassionate, safe space for participants to confront fears, learn about the role of death doulas, and reclaim agency over end-of-life planning. By engaging with death, your community can deepen appreciation for life, spark meaningful conversations with loved ones, and cultivate more intentional living.

Read the workshop’s full description here. If your congregation is interested in hosting this series, please reach out to Rev. Rola Al Ashkar at embody.iama@gmail.com 

Who is Elizabeth Moreno?

Elizabeth is an INELDA-trained end-of-life doula (2024) with experience in hospice and spiritual care. She has served as a chaplaincy volunteer at a Placer County mosque since 2021 and is a hospice volunteer with Snowline Hospice, supporting individuals and families with compassionate presence at the end of life. Learn more about Elizabeth here: www.sacredinvitationdoulacare.info

Submitted by Rola Al Ashkar, Iama Embodied Ministries

The North Central California Presbytery Mission Support Committee stewards a legacy fund specifically designated for ministries with older adults. In 2026, the Committee is offering up to $750.00 to each congregation as grant funding for outreach to older adults in your community. Projects could include ministries that promote the spiritual, physical, social, or emotional well-being of Senior adults. 

To apply for the grant, please use the new Common Grant Application for NCCP. Grant applications will be considered in May and October. The deadline for consideration in May is April 1, for October the deadline is Sept 1. For more information, please contact Mission Committee Co-chairs Tiffany Nicely-Holleck, or Edrine Ddungu.

Registration is officially open for the More Light Presbyterians 2026 National Gathering!

Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center to offer our LGBTQIA+ community a weekend of rest, respite, and reconnection. Ferncliff has generously provided a 50% discount on all accommodations for attendees!

If you have questions about the gathering, scholarships, or whether you can bring a partner or spouse, reach out at hello@mlp.org.

We are inviting all of the local affiliated churches to attend the 2026 Racial Justice Conference in Sacramento April 24th (evening) and April 25th (day). 

The conference will have speakers from Ecumenical, University and Community presenting convergent and intersecting ideas between all the stakeholders.

Where: Sierra Vista Community Church, 890 Morse Ave. Sacramento, 95864

Program: Friday Evening focus on Sacramento State University, a Leader in Advancing Racial Justice. Dinner included. Saturday focus on Interfaith Communities as catalysts for Racial, Immigration and Homeless Justice. Lunch provided.

Vision Statement: To cultivate a just and loving society where Universities, Churches and Communities unite to dismantle Racial and economic inequities through education, faith and social action, upholding the dignity of every person.

Cost: Free for all who attend

We ask that participants register before the event so the planners can calculate how much food to order from the caterer. 

To register please visit: www.ncncucc.org

The NCCP Immigration Task Force has learned that recent ICE activity within the bounds of our presbytery is impacting our congregations and the communities they serve. We have heard about family separation, emotional trauma, and, quite frequently, significant financial hardship because of lost income, emergency travel to detention centers, and other urgent needs.

Because of the great need for immediate relief, the NCCP Mission Support Commission has authorized our Immigration Task Force to provide small amounts of funding to meet emergency needs. If you know of members of your congregation or community who need help and could use this assistance, please complete the attached form and forward it to Executive Presbyter Karen Sapio at karen@nccpresby.org 

If your church, Presbyterian Women’s group, or other groups within your church would like to contribute to this fund, please contact the NCCP treasurer, Maria Mar, at treasurer@nccpresby.org

For further information, please contact the Presbytery Office.

Davis Community Church, Full Time Pastor 

First Presbyterian Church, Colusa, Part Time Pastor

Please contact, Bob Harper, Bob@chiconut.com for more information.

First United Presbyterian Church Turlock, Part Time Pastor

Auburn Presbyterian Church, Part Time Pastor/ Full Time Pastor

Davis Community Church, Communications & Outreach Manager

Davis Community Church, Children & Youth Program Director

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Yuba City, Church Organist

Elk Grove Presbyterian Church, Covenant Pastor

Grace Presbyterian Church, Lodi, Part Time Pastor

Clergy Bible Study

Please consider joining us on Zoom weekly (Tuesday at 1-2pm) to discuss the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. Our group shares thoughts, insights, and questions about the passages. Our conversations not only offer differing perspectives, they provide a forum for support and connection for clergy.

(If you would like to know more about the group or to join, please e-mail Laura Barnes at revlaura@eldoradofederatedchurch.org

We look forward to hearing from you.)

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org